NBA players ready to lift ban on medical marijuana use

The NBA is ready to allow marijuana use for medical purposes, according to an official representing the players.

In an interview with SB Nation, National Basketball Players Association (NPBA) Executive Director Michele Roberts voiced her support for lifting the league’s ban on marijuana in the near future.

“My own view is that there are substantial signs that support its efficacy and the value that it has for us, especially pain management,” Roberts told SB Nation.” We’re in talks with the league to see where we can go with it.”

Roberts also revealed in another interview with the Undefeated that the Players Association is currently examining research and studies on cannabis for medical use.

“I have certainly taken a look at what the current scientists are saying about this. And we are looking to have conversations with the league,” said Roberts. “The thought is that we don’t have the same pain management issues as football does. It is true because their injuries are much more significant. But we do have pain issues.”

Roberts’ statements don’t come as too much of a surprise, as several current and former NBA players and executives have expressed support for allowing marijuana use. Current All-Star center Karl Anthony-Towns supports ending the league’s marijuana ban, as well as Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and former NBA commissioner David Stern, to name a few.

Despite her support for allowing medical cannabis however, Roberts says protecting their players from the current administration’s anti-marijuana policies is of utmost concern.

“It is a banned substance in our league right now. If we do go down that road, we have to protect our players from — my words — a crazed attorney general who says he will prosecute violations of the law involving marijuana and he doesn’t care what individual states say,” said Roberts.

“In other words, I don’t want my guys being arrested at airports in possession of a cannabinoid by some fed. It’s against the law. So, we’ll see.”

Smell The Truth is one of the internet’s most popular destinations for cannabis-related news and culture. This blog is not written or edited by SFGate or the San Francisco Chronicle. The authors are solely responsible for the content.

Smell The Truth

Smell The Truth is one of the internet's most popular destinations for cannabis-related news and culture. This blog is not written or edited by SFGate or the San Francisco Chronicle. The authors are solely responsible for the content.